Acne ScarringTreatment

A comprehensive, multi-dimensional approach to Acne Scarring.

Acne Scarring can be an incredibly difficult condition for both the patient to endure, and to find an effective treatment regimen. Dr. Chiu and the team at The Derm Institute are experts in acne scarring treatment for all skin types. Because different types of acne scars can occur in the same patient, an effective treatment plan has to be designed according to an individual’s specific type of scars. This is why Dr. Chiu designed her Acne Scarring 360° Program, which utilizes a comprehensive multi-dimensional approach to Acne Scarring.

Often a frustrating and difficult problem, we now have better technologies than ever for all skin types to treat depressed or pitted acne scars. Acne scars most commonly fall into three types: ice pick or pitted scars, boxcar scars, or rolling scars. Ice pick scars are narrow, less than 2mm wide, but deep, forming a V shape in the skin. Boxcar scars are punched out scars that can be round or linear with sharp edges. Rolling scars are depressed scars with gentle sloping edges that disappear when the skin is stretched.

Acne scars most commonly fall into three types:

Ice pick or pitted scars are narrow, less than 2mm wide, but deep, forming a V shape in the skin.

Boxcar scars are punched out scars that can be round or linear with sharp edges.

Rolling scars are depressed scars with gentle sloping edges that disappear when the skin is stretched.

Dr. Chiu and the team at The Derm Institute are experts in acne scarring treatment for all skin types.

Treatment Options for Acne Scarring

Because typically patients have multiple types of acne scarring, there is no ONE treatment that can erase acne scars. Multiple modalities have to be used for best results. The Derm Institute offers a wide variety of treatments for your acne scarring needs. At The Derm Institute, Dr. Chiu will individualize a multifaceted Acne Scarring 360° approach using a combination of the techniques listed below to restore radiance and confidence in your skin.

Fractional Ablative and Non-Ablative Lasers

Fractional Ablative, Non-Ablative, and minimal downtime Clear and Brilliant Lasers can resurface and re-stimulate the skin for a smoother, more even texture. Like all acne scarring procedures, they usual require multiple sessions, but different lasers can vary from hours to a few weeks of downtime. Dr. Chiu will help you come up with a plan that is most effective for your lifestyle and skin type.

INFINI Microfocused Radiofrequency

The latest in treatment for acne scarring is INFINI Microfocused Radiofrequency, which utilizes multiple passes of insulated heated needles that penetrate the skin and deliver radiofrequency heat to remodel collagen at different layers of the skin to smooth acne scarring and decrease pore size. This has become an incredibly popular way to treat acne scarring in our practice due to its effectiveness for all types of acne scarring. Unlike lasers, this procedure is safe in all skin color types without greater risks of hyperpigmentation. This is NOT a microneedling procedure, as the device penetrates deeper than microneedling and passes radiofrequency heat through each pass to truly induce multiple deep zones of remodeling new collagen production to improve scars.

Bellafill Filler

Bellafill is a dermal filler approved to treat rolling and depressed acne scars with results lasting greater than 5 years! Rolling or grooved acne scars can be treated with expert placement of Bellafill which stretches out and flattens depressed scars. Results are seen immediately and improve more after 4-6 weeks of collagen remodeling. Typically patients require 2-3 sessions spaced about a month apart, but the results afterwards are long lasting. Dr. Chiu is an expert master injector in the use of dermal fillers, and she will also perform subcision during the procedure.

Subcision and Excision

Subcision treatment with or without Bellafill filler for depressed scars helps break up bands that pull down and depress acne scars, and is an extremely effective way to soften punched out scars. Depressed boxcar scars can be excised and repaired to even out the skin.

TCA CROSS

Deep pitting can be treated by the TCA CROSS technique, where trichloroacetic acid is precisely used in a scar to promote re-healing and collagen synthesis in a pitted scar. Dr. Chiu is an expert at the TCA CROSS technique, where pitted scars or large pores can be improved by 70-90% over 3-4 treatments.

Microneedling

Overall uneven texture and depressed acne scarring can be smoothed by utilizing collagen induction therapy with Microneedling, either in office or at home. Our patients find this a great, no downtime, way of addressing acne scarring between more aggressive treatments or as at-home maintenance.

Physician Grade Chemical Peels and Photofacials

Hyperpigmentation or brown spots from acne is not true scarring because it usually improves with time, but we can help you speed up the process with Physician Grade Chemical Peels as well as specially blended prescription topical lightening creams. Redness and pigmentation from acne can be reduced with IPL Photofacials.